Everton have not had many outstanding successes in recent years, aside from a few unlikely heroes emerging during their darkest hours.
Abdoulaye Doucoure and Dwight McNeil have taken it upon themselves to uphold the bulk of the goalscoring burden amidst relegation turmoil, with limited success, whilst James Tarkowski has remained ever-present at the back throughout this tough period.
However, undoubtedly so, the most important player who remains at Goodison Park is Jordan Pickford.
The £30m goalkeeper has been solely responsible at times for winning the Toffees vital points, and yet he remains so underappreciated.
Fortunately, greater and more positive media attention is emerging on the 30-year-old.
Ian Wright praises Jordan Pickford
Speaking on his podcast, Wright’s House, the former Arsenal and Crystal Palace striker could not comb over recent football action without commenting on England.
After all, it has dominated the narrative ever since Euro 2024 commenced last month, and especially given the underperformance of the Three Lions, scrutiny has never been so high.
Gareth Southgate’s position as manager becomes more and more shaky with each passing, dreadful display, and win or lose this competition, the writing seems to be on the wall.
However, with the fortune he seems to command, it feels like this time could really be England’s time.
And, if they do win the Euros, they will have Pickford to thank, as Wright noted: ‘For the Everton fans who give him nothing but support, he gets a lot of s—- all through the season from fans and pundits alike.
‘And you know what? What they always finish on is Gareth picks him because he has never let Gareth down. We needed one save in the penalty shootout, and he delivered it. Honestly, Jordan, well done.’
This adulation came after England’s penalty shoot-out win over Switzerland on Saturday, where Pickford was praised for his penalty tactics and what he had written on his bottle.
Everton’s Jordan Pickford remains so underappreciated
Pickford must wonder exactly what he has to do for the masses to like him.
After all, whilst his personality could be seen as somewhat abrasive, given the manner in which he celebrates simple successes mid-match, he has done all he possibly can to endear himself to the public.
Not only has he thrived under Sean Dyche, among other Everton managers, but he has also converted this stunning form from club to country, saving England on numerous occasions.
And, he holds countless goalkeeping records too, as if to emphasise his greatness.
The likes of Peter Shilton, Gordon Banks and David Seaman have all seen their respective successes overtaken by Pickford, and if he was to win a trophy with his country too, there really would be no debate.
Hopefully, he can continue to be a key cog for this side, and do just that. Only then might he finally start to be appreciated by the wider public.